Application Steps for language courses
At ChotChat, we offer classes for learners at different Japanese proficiency levels. To learn effectively, each group class must consist of students at the same level. Please review the steps below to see how to apply. These steps apply to both online and in‑person courses.
To choose the right course for your level, you first need to know your current Japanese proficiency. When you apply for courses that require a certain level of Japanese, you must submit proof of your ability, such as a JLPT score report, a transcript from a university or community college, a certificate from a language school, or a TTBJ* test result.
* TTBJ (Tsukuba Test Battery for Japanese)(link) is a free online test available to anyone. For ChotChat, please select Individual Test and take SPOT90 + Grammar90 (about 25–45 minutes). A PDF result will be issued.
An external organization runs TTBJ, so please understand that ChotChat cannot assist with the TTBJ system, test contents, or scoring.
Once you know your level, you can select the appropriate course using the table on this page.
How to Read This Table
To find the right course for you, please check the requirements based on your background:
ChotChat Students: Find the course you have completed under "Previous ChotChat Course." The next course listed to the left is your target level.
University Students / JLPT Holders: If you have passed JPN 101–302 or JLPT N5–N3, look for your match under the respective columns. Note: You will be asked to submit proof of completion or your certificate during application.
New Students with Prior Knowledge: If you have never taken our courses, please take the free online TTBJ placement test. Find your course by matching your Spot 90 and Grammar 90 scores to the requirements.
Absolute Beginners: If you are completely new to Japanese, please start with "Genki 1 Ch 1-3." No prerequisites or test scores are required! Please note that you must also take our separate Hiragana & Katakana course (either before or after Ch 1-3) to unlock Genki 1 Ch 4-6 and beyond.
Once you decide which course you are eligible for and wish to take, click the “Apply now” button to access the application form. Please fill in all required information, including your Japanese learning background. Upload proof of your Japanese level as described in Step 1. When providing your email address, we require a Gmail address (@gmail.com), as some organizational or school email addresses may have difficulty accessing our online learning platform.
Once we receive your application, we will review whether the class is a good match for your proficiency. If it is, we will send you an invoice within 3–4 business days. If not, we will recommend a more suitable course. Since not all levels are offered every month, you may need to wait for the next class that fits your level.
After receiving the invoice, please pay the tuition. Your seat will be secured once the payment is received. Seats are limited and offered on a first‑come, first‑served basis. You must complete your payment within 7 days after receiving the payment link. If payment is not made within this period, your seat will be released.
Cancellation policies differ depending on the learning mode, such as live online, self‑paced, or in‑person. Please refer to the cancellation policy here: [Terms & Conditions-Live online course]
For in‑person courses, “early bird” discounts are available for students who complete payment early (see each course information page for exact dates). Once payment has been made, a tiered cancellation fee will be charged depending on the cancellation date. [Terms & Conditions-in-person]
Congratulations! You are now officially registered for the course. Please visit your Google Classroom and complete the preparation for the first class at least one week in advance.
On the first day, the instructor may recommend moving you to a different level for more effective learning. Otherwise, enjoy the class and keep improving your Japanese.
We require a minimum of 3 students for online courses and 5 students for in‑person classes.
If the class you wish to join does not reach the required number of students, you may select another class or sign up for the next term.
Course opening is determined 7 days before the start date for online classes and 30 days before the start date for in‑person classes. You will be notified at that time. If the course does not open and you do not switch to another class, you will receive a full refund.
For details, please see our Terms & Conditions (link).